Home staging: Myths vs Facts

Home staging: Myths vs Facts

Misconceptions abound among home sellers and real estate professionals about the value, cost and importance of staging homes to sell. Do you know which are myths and which are the FACTS?

MYTH #1

I have beautifully decorated my home so it will sell quickly and for top dollar.

FACT

It may be decorated very nicely… but in YOUR taste and style. It is quite likely your style/decor will not appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. Buyers’ tastes are so varied it is better to start with a neutral palette and work from there.

MYTH #2

It is better to sell my house vacant because it looks roomier in the buyers’ eyes.

FACT

Most buyers are more confused by empty homes because they have difficulty visualizing how the home could look with furniture…’Would my sofa fit here? Not sure my bed will fit in this bedroom.” Take all doubt from their mind… SHOW them.

MYTH #3

I cannot afford to stage my home to sell.

FACT

You cannot afford NOT to stage your home. Staging brings back a 300% ROI according to HomeGain’s latest statistics. Statistics also show that staged homes sell in half the time and for 6-17% more money than comparable unstaged homes.

MYTH #4

I do not need a stager, I can do it myself.

FACT

Some people may be able to stage their home effectively, but MOST sellers cannot have an objective eye about their own home. A stager has no emotional attachment and can view the house as a commodity that needs to be sold as quickly as possible for as much money as possible.

MYTH #5

The interior of a house is more important than the exterior.

FACT

Curb appeal is HUGE. Did you know that most buyers will do a drive-by before even contacting the realtor/owner? What they see outside will either entice them to look inside or cause them to drive on to the next home.

MYTH #6

A house on the market should be de-personalized as much as possible.

FACT:

Yes, a home should be de-personalized to a point, but not so much that it becomes impersonal and sterile. It still has to appeal to the emotions of the potential buyers.

MYTH #7

Every room in the house should be painted beige.

FACT:

The main rooms and entrance should be kept neutral…and there are lots of neutrals besides beige! But add lots of color/texture with wall art, rugs, cushions, accessories.

MYTH #8

Staging my home guarantees it will sell quickly.

FACT:

Staging is just one tool to help sell a home. Price it correctly, market it effectively and stage it well, and you will have a winning combination and it WILL sell.

MYTH #9

Buyers can see beyond my ‘stuff’ and appreciate my house for what it is.

FACT:

About 90% of buyers are not able to visualize the potential in a home. Buyers get caught up on the contents of your home and often miss the architecture, size, and all the good points about your home.

MYTH #10

A lot of buyers are looking for fixer-uppers so I don’t have to have everything in my house in tip-top shape.

FACT:

A recent survey by Coldwell-Banker showed that 87% of buyers, including first timers, wanted a move-in-ready home and are willing to pay more for it.

If you are thinking of selling your home, or if your home is already on the market, call us! We can help sell your home quickly and for top dollar.